Middlesbrough can strengthen a key position in the summer window by beating Sunderland to a former Premier League player.
Middlesbrough have had a decent summer transfer window so far, with three new signings already made.
Steve Gibson is seemingly keen to back Michael Carrick in the current window as Boro eye a return to the Premier League.
Luke Ayling has returned to the Riverside after assisting eight in 19 Championship games while on loan last season.
Delano Burgzorg has also arrived in the North East after scoring seven and assisting three for a weak Huddersfield Town side in 2023/24.
Middlesbrough’s latest signing saw them bring in 22-year-old midfielder Aidan Morris from Columbus Crew.
All three players are expected to play a key role for Boro in the forthcoming campaign but further additions are expected on Teesside this summer.
Emmanuel Latte Lath scored 16 goals in 30 league games last term but the lack of quality depth behind the Ivorian is a concern.
As a result, it is not too surprising to see that a striker remains a priority for Middlesbrough in the remainder of this window.
Middlesbrough should rival Sunderland for Divin Mubama
Middlesbrough are well aware of how hard it can be to find a competent number nine, having struggled for so many years before Chub Akpom and Latte Lath.
However, one of their Championship rivals, Sunderland, may have found a new transfer target for Boro already.
Give Me Sport report that the Black Cats are leading the race for 19-year-old striker, Divin Mubama.
Mubama is a free agent after his contract with West Ham United expired last month.
Several Championship sides are thought to be interested in the teenager and Middlesbrough should throw their hat into the ring for his services.
Why Middlesbrough should sign Mubama
With Latte Lath set to be Middlesbrough’s main striker in 2024/25, the addition of a further centre-forward could prove tricky.
Every player wants to earn as many minutes as possible so Boro signing an already established name is unlikely.
As a result, Carrick and co. will likely have to target a young player who has less experience, with a view to making them a regular starter in the future.
Mubama fits that profile well and could be interested in signing for a side with promotion aspirations.
The London-born hitman made 18 senior appearances for West Ham, including eight in the Premier League.
But he struggled to garner any regular action in east London, meaning a drop down to the Championship would make sense for the player.
Despite his limited experience, though, Mubama has shown he still has plenty of potential.
He scored 40 goals in 57 games at U18 level for the Hammers and 18 in 34 at U21 level.
Mubama has also been a regular feature at youth level for England, most recently earning caps for the Three Lions’ U20 side.
The 19-year-old is by no means guaranteed to perform for Middlesbrough, but as he clearly has a high ceiling and is available for free, it is a risk Boro should take.